Angels' Share: The Heavenly Loss in Whisky

What is the Angels' Share?
The Angels' Share, in German "Anteil der Engel", refers to the portion of whisky that evaporates from the barrel during storage. This loss affects both water and alcohol. The amount of loss depends on various factors:

• Ambient temperature
• Humidity
• Type, age, and size of the barrel

In Scotland and Ireland with their temperate climate, the Angels' Share is about 1-3% per year. In warmer regions like Taiwan, it can be up to 5 times higher. Humidity also influences whether more water or alcohol evaporates.

Since when has the Angels' Share been known?
The term is closely linked to whisky production and has probably existed as long as the drink itself. In the past, the loss was simply written off, but at some point, an ingenious distiller came up with the idea of marketing it as a heavenly gift. When exactly the term Angels' Share was first used is not recorded. One thing is certain: Today, it is an integral part of the whisky world.

Significance for the Distilleries
For whisky distilleries, the Angels' Share is quite relevant. After all, it means losses that accumulate over the years. The longer a whisky matures, the less remains in the end. This also affects the price: Old and rare bottlings are precious, not least because of the Angels' Share.
In addition, care must always be taken to ensure that the alcohol content does not fall below the required 40%. This can also become a problem with a too high Angels' Share. And last but not least, the fungus Baudoinia compniacensis feels particularly at home around distilleries thanks to the alcohol in the air - which can lead to unsightly black spots.
Despite these disadvantages, the Angels' Share is an integral part of whisky production. It is the price distilleries pay for the slow maturation and refinement of their spirits. And a little whisky for the angels is certainly not a bad thing - after all, the distillers don't want to antagonize the heavenly hosts.